Senator Pemberton receives perfect score on children’s issues

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) recently released their 2022 Children’s Legislative Scorecard tracking legislators’ votes on more than a dozen bills to protect and improve the lives of Oklahoma’s youth. Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, received a perfect score for his support of children’s issues this session.

“I’ve always had a heart for children, which is why I became an educator and coach, and later ran for public office,” Pemberton said. “Having spent nearly 40 years in our public schools, I saw the multitude of problems and issues facing our students and have worked hard to author and support legislation that addresses those needs to ensure our youth are healthy, safe and living their best lives.”

Pemberton authored two of the measures chosen by OICA. Senate Bill 1138, which passed unanimously in the Senate but died in the House, sought to better address bullying in Oklahoma schools. It would have required school boards to update their discipline and bullying policies annually following at least one public hearing to gather input from parents, faculty, and students, and share that information with the State Department of Education (SDE).

He also served as the principal Senate author for HB 4106, which directs public school districts to develop and maintain a protocol, in partnership with one or more local mental health treatment providers certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS), to respond to students in mental health crisis to prevent suicide, self-harm, and harm to others. When a minor student is identified as being in or at risk of a mental health crisis, the school must inform the parent or guardian and offer treatment referral information. Parental consent will be required for any subsequent school action except in cases of immediate and life-threatening danger to self or others. The new law goes into effect July 1.  

OICA CEO Joe Dorman praised Pemberton for his support of Oklahoma’s children.

“OICA is very appreciative of each member who had a perfect score on this report card,” Dorman said. “The dedication to not miss votes and ensure that the votes cast are for those bills considered ‘pro-child’ makes a difference for the youth of our state.  We are thankful for each of these lawmakers for their steadfast support of children.”

To learn more about OICA’s 2022 Children’s Legislative Scorecard, visit https://oica.org/2022-childrens-legislative-agenda/#.

Sen. Pemberton: (405) 521-5533 or Dewayne.Pemberton@oksenate.gov